Tax delinquents in Bozrah may be denied building permit applications

BOZRAH — People who are delinquent on their taxes could face a surprise if they need to apply for a building permit in Bozrah.

The town’s tax collector, Nancy Renshaw, wants the town to have the ability to deny applicants a permit until they’re current on their taxes or are in a repayment plan.

She went before the Board of Selectmen last month to introduce the concept, which would need to be made into a town ordinance and approved by voters.

Renshaw said Franklin has adopted a similar ordinance.

“It’s not something we see too often, but occasionally it is a problem,” Renshaw said.

The ordinance would be aimed at egregious deadbeats, such as the resident Renshaw said wanted to install a $10,000 in-ground swimming pool, but hadn’t paid taxes.

“If you can afford a $10,000 pool, you can probably afford to pay the taxes you owe first,” she said.

First Selectman William Ballinger said the idea has merit.

“If you want to use town services, it helps if you aren’t delinquent on your taxes, which go to pay for those services,” he said.

The Board of Selectmen would have to review the proposed ordinance, as well as the town’s attorney, before sending it to a town meeting, Ballinger said. The soonest that would probably happen is March or April, he said.

“It’s something that needs more discussion,” he said.

The Franklin ordinance addresses delinquent taxes on real estate property. It prohibits the town from issuing permits for the use of or improvements to real property to any owner or applicant who owes taxes on the property which is the subject of the application.

The ordinance has provisions in it for installment payment options.

The Bozrah Board of Selectmen scheduled discussion at its December meeting, but the meeting was canceled. Its next scheduled meeting is Jan. 21.